PhilMADE - Philippine Media Advocates for Development & Empowerment

UN committee to RP: Pass reproductive health bill

2009-10-30T23:29:00.001+08:00

By Lira Dalangin-FernandezINQUIRER.net First Posted 11:40:00 10/30/2009MANILA, Philippines – Voicing “serious” concern over inadequate reproductive health services and information, low rate of contraceptive use and difficulties in access to artificial methods that contribute to teen pregnancies and high maternal death, a United Nations panel urged the government to pass the Reproductive Health (

Stand fast against friars’ friendly fire

2009-09-22T00:42:00.000+08:00

Passion For Reason Stand fast against friars’ friendly fireBy Raul PangalanganPhilippine Daily InquirerFirst Posted 01:24:00 09/18/2009 Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III hasn’t even filed his certificate of candidacy yet, but some misguided members of the modern-day frailocracy have already begun flexing their muscle. He must stand his ground. He must not

House determined to have vote on RH bill

2009-09-22T00:35:00.000+08:00

Hmnnn.. maybe now we can hold our breath... =)By Leila SalaverriaPhilippine Daily InquirerFirst Posted 16:32:00 09/21/2009MANILA, Philippines -- The leadership of the House of Representatives will finalize the rules and procedures for the debates on the reproductive health bill so that voting could take place before the end of the 14th Congress, according to Majority Leader and Iloilo

162 out of 100,000 mothers die giving birth

2009-09-19T00:18:00.000+08:00

DoH gets P250M grant to reduce maternal deathBy Anna ValmeroINQUIRER.netFirst Posted 20:17:00 09/18/2009MANILA, Philippines—Of the 100,000 mothers giving live birth in the country, 162 die for lack of attending medical professionals and obstetric care, making the country among 68 others where 97 percent of global maternal and child death occur, health officials said on Friday.Health Secretary

AQUINO PUSHES BILL ON POPULATION CONTROL

2009-09-17T18:28:00.000+08:00

Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2009Source: Manila Standard (Philippines)Author: Fel V. MaragaySenator Benigno Noynoy Aquino III said yesterday he would not give up his support for the use of artificial contraceptives to curb population growth even at the risk of incurring the ire of the Catholic Church.Aquino said Catholic bishops should wake up to the reality that something must be done to

songs at Cory's Funeral

2009-08-07T02:49:00.002+08:00

Farewell President Corazon Aquino

2009-08-04T23:16:00.005+08:00

"The kinder and more thoughtful a person is, the more kindness she can find in other people."Pres. Cory has touched the lives of people from all walks of life - the rich, the poor, and those in between. Despite perhaps her alleged flaws as a political leader, it is her apparent kindness that kept people drawn to her. Undeniably, that kindness turned a simple yellow ribbon into a golden chain that

QC family health programs backed

2009-07-29T04:57:00.000+08:00

Philippine Daily Inquirer First Posted 00:18:00 07/29/2009 MANILA, Philippines—More than 20 private firms in Quezon City have pledged to support family health programs being implemented in workplaces and offices in the city. The companies signed a declaration of support inked by the city council on population, in which they promised to provide family

State of the Nanay Address (SONA)

2009-07-15T21:28:00.000+08:00

Dear Friends,Greetings! The Reproductive Health Advocacy Network (RHAN) and Philippine Legislators Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD), together with other networks working for the passage of the Reproductive Health (RH) Bill, are doing a “State of the Nanay Address (‘SONA’)” on 22nd July, 2009 at the Bahay ng Alumni, UP Diliman, Quezon City.Our ‘SONA’ is a spoof of the official State

DUE TO WORLD CRISIS ‘RP should reset antipoverty goals’

2009-06-01T00:25:00.000+08:00

By Michelle RemoPhilippine Daily InquirerFirst Posted 01:41:00 05/31/2009MANILA, Philippines—The global economic downturn, which recently pulled the Philippines down to its slowest growth in a decade, will result in the country’s failure to meet its poverty-reduction goal by 2010 and is expected to increase the number of poor Filipinos.Under the Millennium Development Goals, to which the

Bishop instructs flock to shun GK projects

2009-05-19T00:20:00.003+08:00

Oh man, I just want to laugh at all the non-sense this priest is saying!Condemning a group for helping them improve the plight of the poor and the homeless??? God should come down from heaven and strike these pretentious preachers!!By Norman BordadoraPhilippine Daily InquirerFirst Posted 01:47:00 05/18/2009MANILA, Philippines—Archbishop Oscar Cruz has issued instructions to shun Gawad Kalinga (GK

Speech key for Obama with Catholics

2009-05-18T00:51:00.002+08:00

Carol E. Lee, Jonathan Martin – Sun May 17, 8:03 am ETPresident Barack Obama’s time at Notre Dame Sunday will be brief, but how he handles one of the biggest, most public controversies of his presidency so far could have a lasting impact on his relationship with a key constituency – Catholic voters.It’s not just the few dozen graduates boycotting Obama’s 20-minute commencement address to

New party-list reps aid RH bill passage

2009-05-18T00:00:00.000+08:00

by Jesus F. Llanto, Newsbreak | 05/07/2009 4:24 PMThe entry of new party-list representatives in Congress is expected to give a boost to the passage of the reproductive health (RH) bill, lawmakers said.In a forum on the reproductive health bill held Thursday in Quezon City, two lawmakers said the number of legislators supporting the RH bill is expected to increase as a result of the entry of

WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY

2009-05-03T23:24:00.000+08:00

‘I was jailed for committing journalism’ MANILA, Philippines— “I got put in jail in Zimbabwe for simply doing my job. They said I was ‘committing journalism’ and I hope they were right.”That’s how Barry Bearak of The New York Times described his arrest, brief detention and expulsion from Zimbabwe for trying to report from the country during the last elections. Bearak’s plight was widely reported

Pope Benedict ‘wrong’—health official

2009-03-24T00:36:00.000+08:00

Agence France-Presse First Posted 11:20:00 03/22/2009GEORGETOWN – World Health Assembly President, Guyana's Health Minister Leslie Ramsammy, on Saturday condemned Pope Benedict's call for ending condom use in the fights against AIDS, saying he was trying to sow confusion."The statement by the Pope is inconsistent with science, it's inconsistent with our experiences and it is not in

Francis M, we will always remember you!

2009-03-08T20:32:00.004+08:00

Remembering the Master Rapper... One of the Filipino Artists who made a great impact in the Filipino Music Industry with his songs embodying love for our country and pride for being a Filipino.FrancisM Kaleidoscope World with Parokya ni EdgarOne rap song with lyrics that I really like:3 STARS and a SUN"Three stars and a sun, in one sky, so high,I live and die and die will I for myMotherland this

Gays, lesbians hear Mass at Baguio City bar

2009-03-05T20:35:00.001+08:00

By Desiree CaluzaNorthern Luzon Bureau First Posted 07:08:00 03/05/2009BAGUIO CITY—It was a Sunday Mass no different from what mainstream churches hold, except that the faithful, including the officiating minister, are gays and lesbians. About 20 people gathered at a bar here one Sunday afternoon in February to attend the landmark religious service dedicated to gays and

Bishops quit RH bill talks

2009-02-22T14:26:00.001+08:00

Today's Banner Story of The Philippine Daily Inquirer: Bishops quit RH Bill TalksSay senators ignored their views on birth controlBy Norman BordadoraPhilippine Daily InquirerFirst Posted 02:51:00 02/22/2009MANILA, Philippines—The conflict between lawmakers and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines has come to a head, with CBCP representatives walking out of Senate discussions on the

SWS SURVEY SAYS Church a hindrance to family planning

2009-02-22T14:25:00.000+08:00

MANILA, Philippines—Six out of 10 Manila residents think the Catholic Church is interfering with government policies on reproductive health and family planning, a recent survey by the private polling firm Social Weather Stations (SWS) said.The Forum for Family Planning and Development Inc. (FORUM), a non-government organization working for population management, health and family welfare, which

Catholics Encouraged by Dialogue between Pope Benedict and Speaker Pelosi

2009-02-21T01:08:00.001+08:00

Media Contact:David Nolan, asokol@catholicsforchoice.org+1 (202) 236-1782Washington DC - Jon O'Brien, the president of Catholics for Choice,issued the following statement about today's meeting between Pope Benedict XVI and Speaker Nancy Pelosi:"I was pleased to hear that Speaker Pelosi and Pope Benedict XVI had a cordial meeting today. At that meeting, Speaker Pelosi did justice to Catholics in

Happy Hearts' Day!!!

2009-02-13T18:29:00.000+08:00

The soul catcher in EV

2009-02-11T10:08:00.004+08:00

Here's some news about one of our Media Advocates in North Luzon. Congrats EV! This exhibit is long overdue. =)Inquirer Northern Luzon The soul catcher in EV By Elizabeth LolargaNorthern Luzon BureauFirst Posted 00:42:00 02/11/2009 MANILA, Philippines – His training as a stage and street theater director has enabled photojournalist

Obama overturns ban on overseas abortion funding

2009-01-25T23:22:00.001+08:00

WASHINGTON (AFP) – President Barack Obama has overturned what he described as an "unwarranted" eight-year ban on US government funding for family-planning groups which carry out or facilitate abortions overseas.Shortly after he signed an executive order canceling the restrictions, on the third full day of his presidency, Obama said in a statement the ban had "undermined efforts to promote safe

Obama overturns ban on abortion funding

2009-01-25T01:21:00.001+08:00

Now this is the kind of CHANGE we're waiting for.... Agence France-Presse First Posted 08:26:00 01/24/2009WASHINGTON—President Barack Obama on Friday overturned an eight-year ban on US government funding for family planning organizations which carry out or facilitate abortions overseas, a White House official said.Obama signed an executive order cancelling the restrictions, on the

Why Is Reproductive Health Still "Controversial" in the Philippines?

2009-01-23T10:52:00.001+08:00

Date: Saturday, January 17, 2009Source: RH Reality Check (U.S.)Author: Carolina AustriaThe pending bill on reproductive health care in the Philippines is often deemed controversial simply because some outspoken members of the powerful Roman Catholic hierarchy consider it so. To the conservative Catholic hierarchy, the most controversial portion of the bill has to do with contraception (which it

63% favor Reproductive Health Bill—poll

2009-01-20T00:04:00.000+08:00

By Joel GuintoINQUIRER.netFirst Posted 18:08:00 01/19/2009MANILA, Philippines — Sixty-three percent of Filipinos favor the Reproductive Health Bill that is being deliberated on in the House of Representatives that proposes more funding for a government campaign to promote natural and artificial family planning and which the Catholic Church opposes, results of an independent survey showed.Only

Mass Cards for Papa Roy

2009-01-13T21:14:00.003+08:00

PAPA ROY CALVO

2009-01-08T15:24:00.006+08:00

Today, a staunch RH supporter and Media Advocate ROY CALVO, more popularly known as Papa Roy passed away due to a heart attack.I still could not believe it.. many of us couldn't. I had to call Sentay, one of his media angels in Eastern Samar to confirm the sad news. Then the call from Penelope, who works closely with him in the radio station... I couldn't stop crying...Sentay said he even held

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

2008-12-24T02:09:00.001+08:00

RH ROCKS! A Concert in Support of the Reproductive Health Bill HB5403

2008-12-01T15:12:00.000+08:00

TIME: 6PM - 12 MNDATE: December 9, 2008, TuesdayVENUE:Liwasang Aurora, Quezon City Memorial Circle(Fronting Philcoa and Commonwealth Ave.)Super close to UP DilimanCost: FREE!Featuring (So far):SANDWICHLOLITA CARBONSUGARFREENOEL CABANGONIMAGOCHIKOY PURAITCHYWORMSSKARLETPEDICABSUSAN FERNANDEZDUSTERCAMBIOPERYODIKOBOB AND ANYAZONEONEWANDERING DEWFMDJEEPNEY JOYRIDEHosted by: Carlos CeldranCome sit

HOW FAMILY PLANNING WORKS IN MEXICO

2008-11-13T18:55:00.000+08:00

Date: Tuesday, November 11, 2008Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer (Philippines)Author: Rina Jimenez-DavidMEXICO -- ENVY IS A PREVALENT FEELING among us Filipino reproductive health advocates on this study tour. With funding from the David and Lucille Packard Foundation, and managed by the Health Action Information Network (Hain) and the Leadership Development for Mobilizing Reproductive Health (

Reproductive Health Not Limited to Population Control says Women’s and Doctors’ Groups

2008-10-24T17:10:00.001+08:00

PUBLISHED ON OCTOBER 18, 2008 AT 8:18 PM The Gabriela Women’s Party and the Health Alliance for Democracy asserted that the issue of reproductive health should not be limited to population control but is a part of the people’s right to health and thus, a component of a comprehensive, accessible, and relevant health care system for the people.BY RONALYN V.

Bishops becoming isolated in battle over birth control

2008-10-08T22:33:00.003+08:00

Today's BANNER Story at the MANILA STANDARD TODAY.By Christine F. HerreraTHE Catholic Church is increasingly becoming isolated on the issue of family planning as other major religious groups have joined forces to support the reproductive health bill in Congress.So far, that alliance includes the Iglesia Ni Cristo, the Jesus is Lord Movement, the National Council of Churches in the Philippines,

Can Catholics support the RH bill? Yes!

2008-10-08T22:16:00.000+08:00

Mary Racelis | 10/06/2008 6:56 PMCan one be a Catholic and still support the Reproductive Health bill?Growing numbers of professional and educated lay Filipino Catholics believe they can. Increasingly uneasy that the unshakeable position of the Church contradicts directly their own understandings of Philippine realities, many are actually reading the bill to see for themselves – and emerging as

RH Website

2008-09-29T01:20:00.004+08:00

For more info on Reproductive Health, please visit: www.reproductivehealth.com.phREPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SAVES LIVES!

"PAPA, PAPA, PAANO AKO GINAWA?"

2008-09-29T01:06:00.001+08:00

Howie Severino's I-Witness DocumentaryAiring Monday: September 29, 2008Most parents go through an awkward stage when they need to try to explain sexuality to their children. Howie Severino is entering that stage now with his curious six-year-old son Alon, who has been asking how and when he will get either a brother or a sister.That innocent query begins Howie's search for a way to answer a

Lagman laments moot attacks vs reproductive bill

2008-09-28T02:39:00.000+08:00

By Ephraim AguilarPhilippine Daily InquirerFirst Posted 01:08:00 09/27/2008LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines—Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman deplored the “irrelevant attacks” on the reproductive health bill thrown by opposing lawmakers during deliberations in Congress on the controversial population measure.Lagman, principal author of House Bill No. 5043 on reproductive health, referred to the long-winding

Sparks fly anew in debate on birth control bill

2008-09-24T22:21:00.002+08:00

Now what do we make out of this "occurrence" at Congress' session hall?Haay....By Christian V. EsguerraPhilippine Daily InquirerFirst Posted 21:29:00 09/24/2008MANILA, Philippines—Argument on procedure marred the beginning of floor debates at the House of Representatives on a controversial reproductive health bill.Deputy Speaker Raul del Mar, echoing the objections of the Catholic Church,

Population exec clings to hope for RH bill

2008-09-18T21:52:00.002+08:00

By Joey A. GabietaVisayas BureauFirst Posted 02:56:00 09/18/2008TACLOBAN CITY – The head of the Commission on Population (Popcom) in Eastern Visayas expressed hope that Congress would approve the controversial reproductive health bill to address the continued rise in the country’s population that the bill’s proponents blamed on poverty.Susan Tejada, Popcom regional officer-in-charge, said the

The PDA Theme Song and the PDS MTV revived!

2008-09-17T16:10:00.009+08:00

Below is a post originally published in this blog about two (2) years ago. It was presented at the UNFPA Christmas party. PDA or the Pinoy Dream Academy Season I of ABS CBN just wrapped up back then and needless to state, I was a fan of the show and of the winner Yeng Constantino. One of the challenges presented to them was to come up with their own composition of a song that could serve as PDA's

Anti-population bill solons block Lagman speech Lack of quorum forces deferment

2008-09-17T11:12:00.002+08:00

Lack of quorum forces defermentBy Lira Dalangin-FernandezINQUIRER.netFirst Posted 19:02:00 09/16/2008MANILA, Philippines -- Lawmakers at the House of Representatives opposed to the controversial Reproductive Health (RH) bill succeeded in blocking the delivery of the sponsorship speech by its author that would have formally opened floor debates.With only 101 of the more than 200 congressmen

Iglesia backs population bill but rejects ‘rhythm’ way

2008-09-17T10:35:00.003+08:00

Now this is quite interesting. =) Not only does Iglesia ni Cristo supports the passage of the RH Bill, it even REJECTS the idea of "natural" family planning methods endorsed by the Catholic Church...Sex... definitely a "hot" issue, even drawing the differences between religious sects ...Philippine Daily InquirerFirst Posted 22:46:00 09/16/2008MANILA, Philippines—The Iglesia ni Cristo announced

ON REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH BILL 'Stoop down to grassroots,' Catholic hierarchy told

2008-09-14T00:42:00.000+08:00

By Ephraim AguilarSouthern Luzon BureauFirst Posted 21:38:00 09/13/2008TABACO CITY, Albay -- If there were one staunch advocate left of the controversial reproductive health bill aside from its principal author, Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, it would be Krisel Lagman-Luistro.More than being the lawmaker's daughter, she is the mayor of Tabaco City and a nurse by profession.By being a local chief

Secular Rights and Monopolies of Morality: Reframing the Abortion Discourse in the Philippines

2008-09-10T22:45:00.003+08:00

You are all invited to join a discussion entitled "Secular Rights and Monopolies of Morality: Reframing the Abortion Discourse in the Philippines" on September 17, 2008 at the UP College of Law 2-5 PM (Sta Ana Room, 3rd Floor, Malcolm Hall). The presentation is based on Atty. Carolina Ruiz Austria's LLM Thesis submitted to the Faculty of Law at the University of Toronto. Dr. Sylvia Estrada

Reproductive health bill up for debate at lower house

2008-09-09T23:00:00.002+08:00

After so many years, so many revisions, so many debates and demonstrations, finally... the RH Bill is up for plenary discussions!!! So many Congress Sessions have opened and ended without this bill reaching the plenary for debates. And now, finally....Ok guys, the HEAT is definitely ON!!!By Lira Dalangin-FernandezINQUIRER.netFirst Posted 19:07:00 09/09/2008MANILA, Philippines—Amid strong

Catholics in Pampanga vow to gather 1M signatures vs RH bill

2008-09-09T22:54:00.002+08:00

Well, because they heard about the RH advocates' move to gather 1M signatures in support of the RH Bill, they, too, would like to gather the same. Well well well... COPYCATS!By Tonette OrejasPhilippine Daily InquirerFirst Posted 21:19:00 09/09/2008CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Philippines—All 91 parishes under the Archdiocese of San Fernando buckled down to work on Tuesday, in gathering at least a

Behavior, not condoms, will stem AIDS, says Church

2008-09-01T23:53:00.002+08:00

An interesting article on sex, religion and the RH bill was written by the Jester-in-Exile. Personally, one of the few blogs I check out every now and then.Anyway, to the Catholic Church - Here you go again....Read on:Behavior, not condoms, will stem AIDS, says Church By Kristine L. AlavePhilippine Daily InquirerFirst Posted 21:28:00 08/30/2008MANILA, Philippines -- The Catholic Church wants the

Signature Campaign for the passage of the RH Bill

2008-08-23T14:15:00.003+08:00

Dear Friends,Greetings!The struggle for the passage of the Reproductive Bill (RH) in Congress rages on. The Reproductive Health Advocacy Network (RHAN) through our org, the Democratic Socialist Women of the Phils. (DSWP) initiated an online petition that we request you to support by attaching your signature. Please go to this site:http://www.PetitionOnline.com/rhan2008/petition.html We hope to

Arroyo really pro-artificial birth control, says group

2008-08-16T19:57:00.000+08:00

By Desiree Caluza, Tonette OrejasPhilippine Daily InquirerFirst Posted 05:27:00 08/16/2008BAGUIO CITY – Health officials and population experts here said President Macapagal-Arroyo is supporting artificial family planning methods although she is more vocal about the natural family planning method.Aurora Quiray, Cordillera director of the Commission on Population, said Ms Arroyo has ordered the

Agencies defy GMA on family planning

2008-08-14T21:46:00.001+08:00

By Efren L. DanaoSenior ReporterThe MANILA TimesFive line agencies of the government expressed support on Monday for the reproductive health bills pending before the Senate, thus openly defying the stand of President Gloria Arroyo on artificial methods of family planning.During a public hearing conducted by the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, the Education, Health and Social Welfare

Wake up call for Filipinos

2008-08-01T16:25:00.002+08:00

Manila TimesSunday, July 27, 2008By Lisi OwenI arrived in Manila to intern with EnGendeRights, a women's legal NGO, almost 10 weeks ago. As I'm preparing to return to the US next week, I'd like to offer my thoughts on reproductive health policy in the Philippines. My departure conveniently coincides with the CBCP's recent vow to vehemently oppose the reproductive health bill pending in the House

It’s not over for population bills in House

2008-07-31T23:45:00.000+08:00

By Christian V. Esguerra, TJ BurgonioPhilippine Daily InquirerFirst Posted 04:41:00 07/30/2008MANILA, Philippines—Now that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has reiterated her preference for natural family planning in her State of the Nation Address (SONA), is it finally over for the controversial reproductive health (RH) bill at the House of Representatives?No way, the leading proponents of the

Couples in need of birth control information

2008-07-31T23:42:00.000+08:00

By Yolanda Sotelo-FuertesNorthern Luzon BureauFirst Posted 23:23:00 07/29/2008MANGALDAN, Pangasinan, Philippines—Ricky Palaganas, 21, and his girlfriend, Renelyn Bateng-as, 20, have a seven-month old child and are about to get married.Palaganas, a family driver, said they decided not to have another baby soon because of his small income but had no idea how to space their children.Palaganas and

Ifugao drafts guidelines for reproductive health code

2008-07-31T23:38:00.000+08:00

By Desiree CaluzaNorthern Luzon BureauFirst Posted 19:35:00 07/30/2008BANAUE, Ifugao, Philippines—The home of the famed rice terraces has become the second province to carry out a reproductive health code that would give people a wider choice on family planning methods.At a meeting of Cordillera's regional peace and order council here last week, Ifugao Governor Teodoro Baguilat said the province

GMA proudly imposes misery to Filipinos in 2008 SONA

2008-07-31T18:55:00.001+08:00

MEDIA STATEMENTBenjamin de Leon, PresidentThe Forum for Family Planning and Development, Inc.,former Executive Director of the Commission on Population andformer Presidential Assistant for Social Development,(UnderSecretary)Office of Former President Fidel V. RamosGMA proudly imposes misery to Filipinos in 2008 SONAPresident Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s State of the Nation Address is full of

NEWS ALERT: Critics of Catholic Ban on Contraceptives Get Pope's Attention

2008-07-29T14:48:00.001+08:00

From: News from PLANetWIRE Subject: NEWS ALERT: Critics of Catholic Ban on Contraceptives Get Pope's AttentionTo:Date: Monday, July 28, 2008, 11:48 PM ROME, July 26 – An unusual open letter to Pope Benedict asking him to lift the Church’s ban on contraception was so widely noticed yesterday that the Vatican felt compelled to respond. The letter from more than 50

ABU launches new award for HIV/AIDS programming

2008-07-29T14:46:00.000+08:00

Region :Asia and the PacificCountry :NoneTopic :HIV/AIDS, Fellowships and AwardsThe Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) has launched a new award to honor outstanding reporting on HIV/AIDS in the Asia-Pacific region. Deadline: September 15. The prize recognizes the efforts of broadcasters in creating programs of a high-standard that educate the public about HIV/AIDS. According to Francyne

Congress takes First Step to Restore UNFPA Funding

2008-07-28T14:59:00.000+08:00

Congress Takes First Step to Restore UNFPA FundingWASHINGTON, July 17 – Renewed U.S. funding for UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, moved forward in both the House and Senate this week, winning approval from two committees essential to further progress. The Senate Appropriations Committee today allocated $45 million for UNFPA, an increase of $11 million over last year’s appropriation. On

Exercise self-discipline in bed, archbishop tells couples

2008-07-26T23:29:00.002+08:00

To these Bishops,GET REAL!And hello, contraception does not kill the unborn. How could that be when there's "nothing" to be born? Idiocy is deadly and they're spreading it under the guise of religion.I hope the Filipinos have "wisen" up after all this time.Exercise self-discipline in bed, archbishop tells couples By Kristine L. AlavePhilippine Daily InquirerFirst Posted 22:01:00 07/26/2008

Not for CATHOLICS alone

2008-07-25T22:12:00.001+08:00

Here's a very profound explanation that should enlighten a lot of people on what the SEPARATION of the CHURCH and the STATE actually means.CommentaryNot for Catholics aloneCebu Daily NewsFirst Posted 12:56:00 07/25/2008Our founding fathers, from different walks of life, were united by their opposition to “frailocracy,” which was why, as our first president was sworn into office, the altar at

Aide: Arroyo to highlight natural family planning in SONA

2008-07-25T22:06:00.001+08:00

This is why we need to OUST GLORIA NOW!!!Aide: Arroyo to highlight natural family planning in SONA By Lira Dalangin-FernandezINQUIRER.netFirst Posted 19:48:00 07/25/2008MANILA, Philippines -- Unmoved by calls to review her population policy, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will highlight her preference for natural family planning in her State of the Nation Address (SONA), a Palace official said

Separating Church and State, fact from fiction

2008-07-25T20:06:00.002+08:00

Passion For ReasonSeparating Church and State, fact from fictionBy Raul PangalanganPhilippine Daily InquirerFirst Posted 01:39:00 07/25/200MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Daily Inquirer front page on Tuesday featured a photo of a mother and three small children silhouetted against the light, living in a hammock under a bridge, with the fetid tide just two feet below them. I noticed that the

Nograles is right

2008-07-25T20:04:00.000+08:00

AMBIENT VOICES By Ma. Isabel OngpinNograles is rightSpeaker Nograles is right, the debate on population, family planning and reproductive health should end under the polarizing and polemical circumstances that it has been reduced to. To continue it, will only add nuisance which now generates more heat than information, more emotion than reason, more rigidity than new ideas.It is obvious that

Population bill campaign intensifies ahead of Church protest

2008-07-24T20:10:00.000+08:00

By Maila AgerINQUIRER.netFirst Posted 03:58pm (Mla time) 07/24/2008MANILA, Philippines -- Supporters of the proposed population management bill have intensified their campaign ahead of the Catholic Church’s simultaneous “bell ringing” slated this Friday to protest the measure.Various non-government organizations led by the Reproductive Health Advocacy Network (RHAN) held a small rally in Quezon

Special Announcement!!!!!

2008-07-23T20:42:00.003+08:00

Friends,We will be having a whole-day Reproductive Health Fair in Quezon City tomorrow from 9:00am to 5:00pm to make a statement regarding the Big Rally of the Catholic Church Against the Reproductive Health Bill that is being planned for 2nd reading in the Lower House.The rally/parade will start at 9:00am at the corner of Kalayaan Ave., and Elliptical Road, QC PLEASE WEAR WHITE.The parade will

DSWD blames bad population management for intensifying hunger

2008-07-22T23:15:00.000+08:00

From ABS-CBN News:President Arroyo's social welfare secretary on Tuesday attributed to bad population management the growing hunger among Filipinos as she aired her support for reproductive health proposals which have been tagged by the Church as “anti-life”."Everything is related to population management," Social Welfare Secretary Esperanza Cabral told radio dzMM, adding that the government's

Nograles seeks truce but 2 solons firm on population bill

2008-07-21T18:39:00.004+08:00

And the HEAT is ON!!!Kudos to Rep. Garina and Soon Ruiz.And to all other legislators, may you be reminded that in passing and/or opposing legislative measures, do so in accordance with reasonable standards addressing the people's concerns and not simply on the basis of your religious affiliations. As Democratic Presidential Candidate Barack Obama once said:Democracy demands that the religiously

Catholicism and reproductive rights—Clara Rita Padilla

2008-07-21T18:21:00.002+08:00

Many predominantly Catholic countries around the world allow access to modern contraceptives, emergency contraception and even safe and legal abortion. The state of Philippine law on reproductive rights is mere blind adherence to our Spanish colonial past.It's time to state the truth about Catholicism and reproductive rights in the Philippines and the rest of the world.I challenge the bishops of

Pro_RH Legislators: The People’s Champions

2008-07-16T12:13:00.002+08:00

Below is RHAN's official statement on the RH Bill. Please read.Pro_RH Legislators: The People’s ChampionsThe Filipino people need champions.Champions in Congress to craft policies that respond to the needs of their constituents. We need them to address pressing issues through laws so that pro-people and pro-poor programs are implemented, rights are respected and, therefore, lives become better.A

Arroyo likely to take bishops’ side on population--exec

2008-07-15T21:39:00.006+08:00

Once again, the issue on access to reproductive health and population management is taking center stage in political discourse. For us RH/PopDev advocates, this should still be good, because despite the Church' opposition, many politicians and heads of gov't agencies are speaking and making reasonable arguments against them.It usually makes me tick every time the Church opposes RH bills, without

Today is WORLD POPULATION DAY

2008-07-11T23:49:00.002+08:00

World Population Approaches 7 Billion World population is projected to reach 7 billion in 2012, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The world population hit 6 billion in 1999. These figures come from the updated world population estimates and projections released today through the Census Bureau’s International Data Base (IDB). The IDB provides information on population size and growth,

2008 Call for Entries:Global Media Awards

2008-07-09T23:20:00.003+08:00

The Population Institute’s Global Media Awards are devoted to drawing attention to global population issues. The award honors those who have contributed to creating an awareness of population problems through their journalistic endeavors in a meritorious manner.Guidelines1. Entries may be made by any individual or organization from material appearing in print and/or electronic media.2. Entries

Population, poverty issues tackled in ARMM

2008-07-09T19:15:00.003+08:00

by ED GeneralThe Department of Health in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DOH-ARMM) and the Commission on Population (PopCom) in Region 12 jointly pledged to respond to issues concerning population, reproductive health (RH) and gender in the autonomous region amid arguments on family planning and contraceptives.In a two-day policy forum and multi-sectoral workshop held in Cotabato City

Cebu newsman proves mettle of community journalists

2008-07-08T00:04:00.002+08:00

To all the local media advocates, especially those who have become my friends, here's an inspiring article to all of you.By Marlon RamosPhilippine Daily InquirerFirst Posted 06:29:00 07/07/2008MANILA, Philippines—He could have been a full-time lawyer. But community journalism grabbed Pachico Seares.Last Friday, Seares, after a four-decade love affair with newspaper readers in Cebu, received the

World Bank chief urges G8 to boost food aid

2008-07-07T23:37:00.000+08:00

Agence France-PresseFirst Posted 21:36:00 07/07/2008TOYAKO -- World Bank President Robert Zoellick on Monday urged the Group of Eight powers to boost food aid for poor nations and tear down trade barriers that make it hard to buy emergency shipments."How we respond to this double jeopardy of soaring fuel and food prices is a test of the global system's commitment to help the most vulnerable. And

Anglicans await key ruling on women bishops

2008-07-07T23:20:00.001+08:00

Agence France-PresseFirst Posted 22:15:00 07/07/2008LONDON -- The Church of England faced a key vote Monday on whether to allow women bishops, with more than 1,000 clergy threatening to quit the Church if its General Synod goes ahead with the move.A "yes" vote from the Church's ruling body could trigger an irrevocable schism in the worldwide Anglican Communion already embroiled in a divisive row

Makati, Cabanatuan, Tagbilaran are RP's best cities to live in

2008-07-06T19:51:00.001+08:00

By CARMELA FONBUENAabs-cbnNEWS.com/NewsbreakAmong the best cities in the Philippines, Makati City, Cabanatuan City in Nueva Ecija, and Tagbilaran City in Bohol offer the best quality of life, according to a new survey of the Asian Institute Management (AIM).These three cities ranked highest in the quality of life category among 25 cities that made it to the AIM’s Philippine Cities Competitiveness

Poll group hopeful that ARMM voters will learn to take elections seriously

2008-07-06T19:47:00.001+08:00

By ARIES RUFOabs-cbnnews.com/NewsbreakHow does one reform an archaic political culture so ingrained that it makes a joke out of a democratic activity like the elections?Salic Ibrahim, chairman of the Citizen’s Coalition for ARMM Electoral Reforms Inc. (Citizens CARE), said the job may be next to impossible but it should not stop one from believing that change can happen.Formed only three years

Change a Child. Change a Nation.

2008-07-04T19:32:00.002+08:00

Cristyl Mae B. Senajon*We all dream of a Philippines without corruption, where people pay taxes without being goaded to do it, where officials use public funds for public good, where deeply ingrained respect for others make most traffic rules unnecessary, and where each child can get quality education that will give her plenty of job options and good pay.Mary Ann Alampay, a 20-year old BS

Analysis: Setbacks for media

2008-07-04T19:12:00.001+08:00

By Amando DoronilaPhilippine Daily InquirerFirst Posted 01:22:00 07/04/2008MANILA, Philippines—In a span of four weeks last June, the Philippine media suffered setbacks from decisions in regional trial courts that tended to undermine the freedom of the press and to reinforce the police powers of the state in restricting the scope of press coverage of events disruptive of public order.On June 20,

Living with high food prices

2008-06-27T14:44:00.000+08:00

Philippine StarBIZLINKS By Rey GamboaFriday, June 27, 2008There seems to be no end in sight to rising food prices, and with the rainy season upon us, expect price levels to go up, up and further up.The World Bank noted during the recent world food security summit in Rome that food prices around the globe have risen by 83 percent in the last three years. Rice prices have hit a 19-year high last

Cops join run for human rights

2008-06-27T14:41:00.002+08:00

By Jeannette AndradePhilippine Daily Inquirer First Posted 11:50pm (Mla time) 06/26/2008MANILA, Philippines -- In an event rarely seen, policemen and activists on Thursday staged a run to dramatize their opposition to all forms of torture and degrading acts as they kicked off celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).The Basta! Run

"Uncoupled" CFC battle over name

2008-06-26T00:53:00.003+08:00

This split-up within the CFC is very interesting, the major cause of which was Gawad Kalinga's acceptance of donations from companies promoting artificial contraception. The Vatican said they should focus more on evangelization, that is values-building rather than engaging in social work. WTF! What are those values for anyway?!PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH!"Uncoupled" CFC battle over name By Kristine

Kris-Crossing Mindanao: The façade that Lagman et al. want us to see

2008-06-24T00:04:00.004+08:00

Below is an article from the "other side". All they really do is condemn pro-choice advocates for trying to find ways to improve and uplift the quality of lives of Filipinos and their families.Please, get off your moral high horse people and present solutions! We're tired of your "arguments" and so-called philosophies cause as far as the country is concerned, national policies should not solely

It’s Sad

2008-06-22T18:04:00.003+08:00

Here's an article that's worth spreading about SULU. As we have said before, SULU is among the ten (10) pilot areas under the UNFPA 6th Country Programme of Assistance to the Philippines, being the second (2nd) poorest province in the country at that time.It's SADby JULKIPLI WADI, UP institute of Islamic StudiesThe kidnapping of Ces Drilon and other crew of ABS-CBN including Prof. Octavio

UN denounces rape as weapon of war

2008-06-21T23:48:00.000+08:00

Agence France-PresseFirst Posted 11:53:00 06/20/2008UNITED NATIONS -- Diplomats from around the world on Thursday urged an end to the persistent plague of sexual violence during armed conflicts at a meeting at UN headquarters."Rape is a crime that can never be condoned. Yet women and girls in conflict situations around the world have been subjected to widespread and deliberate acts of sexual

UN urges RP youth: Plant a tree every year

2008-06-21T23:44:00.001+08:00

By Tarra QuismundoPhilippine Daily InquirerFirst Posted 01:01:00 06/21/2008 MANILA, Philippines--A high-level United Nations official on biodiversity called on the Filipino youth Friday to ride "the green wave" and take part in global efforts to protect all life on earth as the world counts down to 2010, the International Year of Biodiversity. Dr

Media groups hail release of Drilon et al

2008-06-21T23:40:00.000+08:00

Philippine Daily InquirerFirst Posted 07:07:00 06/20/2008MANILA, Philippines—The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) and the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) issued statements welcoming the release of ABS-CBN news anchor Ces Drilon, her two cameramen Jimmy Encarnacion and Angelo Valderama, and Mindanao State University Prof. and peace advocate Octavio

Media watchdog urges Vietnam to release blogger

2008-06-21T23:38:00.001+08:00

here's a rather interesting article about a blogger and the mainstream media....Media watchdog urges Vietnam to release bloggerAgence France-PresseFirst Posted 16:51:00 06/19/2008HANOI--A media rights watchdog on Thursday urged Vietnamese authorities to free a blogger arrested before the Olympic torch relay who the group said was being targetted for his political views.Nguyen Hoang Hai, who blogs

Bagong Simula sa Bayan ni Juan

2008-06-20T23:19:00.003+08:00

Watch the video below and be proud to be a Filipino!

Journalists as bloggers - David Dizon

2008-06-19T21:38:00.004+08:00

EDITOR'S TAKEBy DAVID DIZONFriends, Spartans, brothers in the blogosphere, lend me your clicks. I come to praise the blog and not bury it. As sources of commentary, blogs provide a smorgasbord of opinion that mines the collective experience of their authors, whether they are students, bankers, techies or, yes, journalists.-----------------------------------------------------------------A few

AP, blogging group to discuss standards for quoting AP news stories

2008-06-17T21:40:00.001+08:00

Here's an interesting article showing the clash between mainstream media and bloggers...NEW YORK - The Associated Press, following criticism from bloggers over the organization's efforts to make one blogger remove AP material, plans to meet this week with a bloggers' group to help form guidelines under which AP news stories could be quoted online.Jim Kennedy, the AP's director of strategic

Corruption preys on RP poor: UN study

2008-06-17T20:26:00.000+08:00

By DAVID DIZONabs-cbnNEWS.comPetty corruption is taking a toll on poor people in the Asia-Pacific, including the Philippines, by curbing economic development in the region, according to a United Nations Development Program study.The report, "Tackling Corruption, Transforming Lives," said small scale corruption is draining economic growth across the Asia-Pacific region and affecting people's

Here’s to women’s health

2008-06-17T20:21:00.000+08:00

PENNYLANE By Rebecca C. RodriguezTuesday, June 17, 2008In the 1990s, the all-girl British pop group the Spice Girls coined the term “girl power.” It aptly described the cultural phenomenon of women empowerment through ambition, assertiveness, and individualism. As the first to leave the group, Ginger Spice, a.k.a. Geri Halliwell, continued to spread the word. As United Nations’ goodwill

It's the Opening of Classes...

2008-06-10T02:39:00.003+08:00

With classes opening tomorrow, uhmnnn later as it is 2:40am as I write this, a lot of articles related to education are written. It must be noted that one (1) of the eight(8) Millennium Development Goals or MDGs targeted to be achieved by 2015 is "Achievement of Universal Primary Education", which actually means that all boys and girls must be ensured to complete a full primary course of

MDG-related articles from PCIJ

2008-05-28T23:14:00.007+08:00

I browsed the PCIJ website as one of the media coordinators, Ed General of SULU, informed me of an article there re: SULU. Turned out, he actually wrote it. =) I found other MDG-related articles worth reposting in this blog.Read on...AN ISLAND SLAKES ITS THIRSTby EDWIN GENERAL KAHIKUKUK, BANGUIGUI, SULU — Asaali Muhalli is no ancient mariner, but there was a

We can’t trust gov’t with population funds

2008-05-28T14:31:00.000+08:00

Philippine Daily InquirerFirst Posted 01:19:00 05/28/2008Amid fears of a rice shortage, it is inevitable that attention should turn once again to population control / family planning. After all, the reasoning goes, with fewer mouths to feed, there would be more food to go by for everyone. And, not surprisingly, the Catholic Church gets the blame for spoiling government efforts to promote modern

Islam 'recognizes homosexuality'

2008-05-21T00:44:00.001+08:00

Abdul Khalik , The Jakarta Post , Jakarta Fri, 03/28/2008 1:38 AM HeadlinesHomosexuals and homosexuality are natural and created by God, thus permissible within Islam, a discussion concluded here Thursday.Moderate Muslim scholars said there were no reasons to reject homosexuals under Islam, and that the condemnation of homosexuals and homosexuality by mainstream ulema and many other Muslims

Population Control is inevitable

2008-05-07T23:45:00.000+08:00

Population control is inevitableFirst posted 00:30:59 (Mla time) May 07, 2008Philippine Daily InquirerThere is no escaping population control. Whether it is done now or 20 years hereafter, it is inevitable. In fact, if we don’t adopt it today while the situation is still manageable, we will have to do it tomorrow under desperate circumstances. This is how rational minds think.But irrational minds

Palace renews call for unity to fight poverty

2008-05-07T23:34:00.000+08:00

AMID INFLATION, FOOD, OIL CRISESPalace renews call for unity to fight povertyINQUIRER.netFirst Posted 11:37:00 05/07/2008MANILA, Philippines -- Faced with a rising inflation that could threaten economic growth, Malacañang has renewed its call to the public to unite in uplifting the poor and do away with politicking, while urging the private sector to help in cutting back food prices and lower